AGRA

Agra - The word is self-explanatory to many because its home to one of the seven wonders of the world. This is the city of the Taj Mahal, it’s the city that has eternalized a love in the form of the palatial white architecture that is literally non-pareil. It is a city of much historical significance. Founded by Badal singh, this city has witnessed, conquerors make a place for themselves in history.

Taj Mahal has mesmerized generations of onlookers and love is a potent force in the air here. Therefore, if you visit Taj Mahal, you don’t stand a chance. You will fall in love with this place and that feeling will never leave you. Besides the majestic Taj, other places of attraction are Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. All three sites are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Agra fort was built in a way so that Shah Jahan could see the Taj Mahal whenever he wanted to. Built in red stone, this fort has the most gorgeous artwork done throughout its body. Every inch of it bears testimony to sheer hard work and expertise. This is an artificial marvel but this sort of artistry has to have an element of the divine in it. It is so extremely beautiful. The same applies for the lavish and opulent architecture of Akbar’s Fatehpur Sikri. Itmad-Ud-Daula is extravagant in beauty. It’s dazzling white and was encrusted with stones like onyx, topaz, cornelian and jasper. The mausoleum reflects a daughter’s love for her father. The architectural feat, like the Taj Mahal shows what exquisite beauty deep emotions can give birth to. Akbar’s tomb, the stunning Sikandra built in red sandstone is situated in a lovely park. It marks the end of an era with the death of the Great Akbar.

A traveler must not forget to include the sacred Guru ka Taal, Jama Masjid built by Jahanara, exquisite despite the absence of minarets, the gorgeous Chini ka Rauza with its Persian dome and blue glazed tiles, the ancient Mankameshwar temple, the oldest Mughal garden Ram Bagh, the moonlight Garden Mehtab Bagh and the grand Cathdral of Immaculate Conception.

Ranging from the luxurious Oberoi Amaravilas to affordable hotels, there are numerous hotels which offer travelers a memorable stay in Agra. Tourists should try out some of the local cuisines like Petha, Gajak, and Dalmoth, etc.

Agra is popularly known for its carpets, marble carvings and inlays. Aside from these, the city is also popular for its leather goods and dresses with Zari Zardosi crafts. Agra carpets are internationally famous and exported worldwide. Tourists can stroll around the Kinari Bazaar where they can find various textile shops with beautifully embroidered clothes and precious jewelries. Tourists can find exquisite marble carvings from the Taj Ganj area and Munro Road. Be a part of all these experiences when you visit Agra.

Agra is about 200 KMs from Delhi and easily accessible by road, rail and air.